2011 Throwdown Performance Competition - 1996 Chevy Tahoe

Time Attack Tahoe

Despite breaking a U-joint strap during a burnout (while he was talking on his cell phone, of course), Kurt couldn't be stopped ...

Kurt Grimes, of Clovis, California, is an old-school circle track racer and has been custom painting bikes, cars, and trucks, for several decades. It was no surprise when he rolled onto the track in his clean two-door Tahoe with high expectations. After all, once you’ve had the taste of going fast in a racecar, it’s just a matter of time before you need that fix again. Modifying the engine, suspension, and exterior of his ’96 Tahoe, we knew he would be a contender, but during a burnout prior to a quarter-mile blast, a U-joint strap decided to break and nearly ended his day. Thankfully, with the help of some friends, Kurt was back on the track after the three-hour setback and we allowed him to finish the competitions he missed. Pushing his Tahoe hard, he finished Third in the slalom and proved his driving skills just needed some dusting off. Despite the older Vortec 350ci engine, Kurt’s MagnaCharger-equipped Tahoe still ran fast all day and he told us a new supercharged LS engine is in the works for next year. The two-door Tahoe is enjoying a strong resurgence in the custom truck community, and we were stoked to see Kurt enjoying every minute of our shootout with his souped-up example. As he told us, “This much fun behind the wheel should be !@#$ illegal.” ’Nuff said.